All change at Gateshead as one former Newcastle man replaces another in the managerial hot seat

Gateshead have undergone a managerial change swapping one former Newcastle United player for another.

While Newcastle United's eyes are all on Italy and the potential outcome of the betting scandal which has engulfed the club after Sandro Tonali's admission to betting on AC Milan while he was a player there, down the road at Gateshead, two former Magpies are grabbing the Heedlines as reported in The Shields Gazette.

Mike Williamson, former Newcastle defender, has been the Heed manager since being appointed as player-manager of the National League side in 2019. However yesterday he left the North East side to pick up the mantle at League Two MK Dons as full-time coach, bringing an end to his playing career at 39.

In his place, Gateshead have turned to another former Newcastle man in goalkeeper Rob Elliot who will take over on an interim basis. This will be Elliot's first foray into management and is still registered as a player, so will, like Williamson hold the dual role of player-manager until a replacement is appointed.

Williamson made 171 appearances for Newcastle in all competitions over a six-year spell at the club, representing the Magpies in the Championship, Premier League and all cup competitions including the Europa League.

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Rob Elliot meanwhile only made 68 outings for Newcastle during an eight-year stint at the club as he found himself behind several top-class 'keepers during his tenure including Tim Krul and Martin Dubravka.

Elliot confirmed the news on X by saying:

"A new challenge ahead for myself @Louisstorey93 and @CarlMagnay one we are looking forward to. Luckily we have the best group of human beings/players we could ask to work with, everyone will keep working hard to keep improving and make everyone at the club and fans proud."

Both players had lengthy spells at Newcastle and did the club proud when called upon, hopefully these moves will be the start of great managerial careers for the pair of them.